The next generation of Hyundai Sonata sedan/saloon is already in the showrooms of South Korea, priced at the rough equivalent of U.S. $19,000 for either a petrol or a CNG-powered car. Starting today, Hyundai expands to offer to include turbocharged and hybrid versions as well.
The Sonata Turbo sports a more aggressive front bumper design and has black exterior trim rather than chrome. This includes the moldings, the radiator grille, and the side mirrors. It comes powered by a 1.6 T-GDi four-banger rated at 180 hp (134 kW), linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid flaunts elegant bumpers and ships with “more aerodynamically efficient” 16- or 17-inch wheels. Its drivetrain consists of a 2.0-liter petrol engine and an electric motor. The car consumes five liters per 100 kilometers on average (56.5 MPG in the UK; 47 MPG in the USA). The manufacturer claims that this is partly owing to a solar panel built into its roof, which serves as a free extra source of power for the main traction battery. Hyundai estimates that you will be able to get approximately 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) of range from solar energy every year.
Both cars will arrive on the market in the coming summer.
Photos: Hyundai